Our Work

Proven on the job site. Not in a boardroom.

Recent builds, remodels and rollouts delivered for multi-unit franchisees, corporate brands and private equity groups. Plus what our team is writing, posting and hearing from the operators we serve.

70+ Years of combined industry experience
[XX] Units opened or remodeled
[XX] States with active projects
1 Accountable partner from LOI to opening day

01 / Recent Projects

Built, refreshed, reopened.

Each project is scoped, budgeted and tracked by one team, from site evaluation through final punch list.

New Development

[City, ST] · [Brand]

[Brand] ground up build with drive thru

Site evaluation, entitlements and full construction management for a new QSR unit, built for full volume from opening day.

Timeline [X] weeks
Result [Opened X days early]
Remodel

[City, ST] · [Brand]

[X] unit remodel program

Phased refresh to current prototype standards while every store stayed open and serving guests.

Timeline [X] months
Result [Zero days closed]
New Development

[City, ST] · [Brand]

[Brand] small box retail buildout

Tenant improvement on a tight in line site, coordinated with the landlord, the brand and the city.

Timeline [X] weeks
Result [On budget]
Emergency Rebuild

[City, ST] · [Brand]

Insurance claim recovery and reopening

Rapid incident response, loss assessment and carrier coordination through full scope rebuild.

Timeline [X] weeks
Result [Reopened in X weeks]
Remodel

[City, ST] · [Brand]

[Brand] full service dining refresh

Brand compliant interior update sequenced around peak hours to protect revenue.

Timeline [X] weeks
Result [X% under budget]
Site Evaluation

[Region] · [PE Group]

Portfolio site feasibility for a new market

Demographics, feasibility and due diligence across [X] candidate sites before capital was committed.

Timeline [X] weeks
Result [X sites approved]

Leadership track record

Before founding Next Stage, Managing Partner Christopher Hensley spent two decades in corporate development, including national new unit and remodel programs with the Denny's Construction and Development team.

Meet the team

02 / Insights

Notes from the field.

Practical guidance for operators planning their next unit, rollout or remodel.

Growth Strategy · [Publish date] · 6 min read

Most growing brands need executive oversight on every deal and remodel, not another six figure salary. Here is how a fractional CDO engagement works and when it pays for itself.

Read the article

Remodels · [Publish date]

How to remodel without closing a single day

Phasing, after hours sequencing and the planning that keeps revenue flowing while the work gets done.

Site Evaluation · [Publish date]

Five questions to answer before you sign the LOI

Zoning, utilities and demographics that should be confirmed before capital is committed.

Private Equity · [Publish date]

Protecting returns across a multi brand portfolio

Why consistent development oversight matters more as the footprint grows.

03 / On LinkedIn

Latest from the team.

Follow Next Stage on LinkedIn

We see ourselves as an extension of your team, navigating the hurdles of permitting and construction so you can focus on what you do best: running your business. Explore the Next Stage Difference at nextstagecorp.com

[Paste the text of a recent company post here, such as a project milestone, grand opening or site visit.]

[Paste the text of a recent company post here, such as an industry take, event recap or team update.]

04 / Reviews and Testimonials

What operators say.

LinkedIn Recommendation
Worked alongside Chris for over four years in the Denny’s Construction and Development department, where he was entrusted with a great deal of responsibility.
[Recommender Name] Former colleague, Denny’s Construction and Development
Google Review
[Client review text. Paste a short Google review or email testimonial here.]
[Client Name] [Title], [Company]
Client Testimonial
[Client review text. Ideally from a private equity partner or corporate brand contact.]
[Client Name] [Title], [Company]

Your next project belongs here.

Engage us for a single build or retain us as your fractional development leadership. Either way, the goal is predictable outcomes with fewer headaches.